Toyota brings back a familiar name that’s lite on the pocket
Written by: Alvin Uy
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has always been spot on when it comes to the selection of its model lineups. They continue to expand their lineup with class-leading vehicles that cater to the specific needs of its customers. They would also re-introduce nameplates back to the market, not just riding on name recognition but on purposeful intent.
This could be the case why TMP decided to re-introduce the lovable family-oriented compact van, the Toyota Lite Ace, back but as a light commercial vehicle (LCV). From the late 80s to the mid-90s, the ubiquitous Lite Ace can be seen in schools, malls, and highways, carrying families in their daily commutes or road trips. This nameplate is a name that evokes a lot of happy memories for those who grew up during that time. My son grew up in one, and our trusty Lite Ace took a second life as reliable manpower and small goods transport for our family business in its later years.
So why is TMP re-introducing this nameplate to be a more functional and practical workhorse? At the introduction of the Toyota Lite Ace last July, TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto said that “With the introduction of the All-New Lite Ace, we are responding to the long-time request of our customers for Toyota to introduce a light commercial vehicle,” he told spectators during the unveiling event, “We are confident that the All-New Lite Ace is a game-changer, not just in uplifting the auto industry, but more importantly, in improving the way homegrown businesses move people and goods.”
TMP’s AVP for Marketing Services Elvin Luciano explained that TMP recognizes that the LCV market segment is the best platform since the country is now back to its road to recovery and the addition of the All-New Lite Ace in its current form will be a boon to local entrepreneurs and business owners. By bringing back one of the most iconic nameplates, it plays up with Toyota’s advocacy of boosting its vision for true “Mobility for All.” Owning the Lite Ace is also made easier with its new and various financing schemes that the brand has to offer. This is Toyota’s way of expanding mobility and wealth creation opportunities. Luciano reckons the Lite Ace as a true commercial “peoples’ car.”
The price is “Lite”
Lite Ace weekly payment sample computation table
Who else can come up with a payment scheme like the one Toyota Financial Services Philippines (TFSPH) and TMP is offering? Under unique financing packages, customers may acquire units under a weekly payment scheme with rates that go as low as PHP 2,937 per week (Pickup variant). Owners are not buying a vehicle in this case. They are investing on a reliable and value-holding Toyota commercial vehicle, which is now easier and more accessible, especially for those who are looking to start or expand their own local businesses.
Toyota’s flexible payment plans allow business owners to manage their cashflow while their businesses are growing, especially in the agriculture and e-commerce sectors.
There are four variants of the Toyota Lite Ace. The Pickup retails at PHP 570,000, the Panel Van at PHP 655,000, the Cargo at PHP 699,000, and the FX at PHP 727,000. All come in white color. Lite Ace customers will enjoy a fixed payment of PHP 1,999 for each Basic Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) from 1,000 km up to 40,000 km.
Again, TMP seems to be on the right track, and this foresight couldn’t come in timelier. The Philippine Gross Domestic Product (GDP) posted a growth of 7.4% in the second quarter of 2022 and its main contributors were wholesale and retail trade, motor vehicles and motorcycle repair, construction and transportation, and storage sectors mostly posting double digit growth. Major economic sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and fishing, industry and services all posted positive growths according to Undersecretary Dennis Mapa of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said “global headwinds,” particularly inflation, had contributed to the slowdown from 8.2% of this year’s first quarter, but the country’s economic performance continues to outpace some other countries in the region such as China and Indonesia and says it remains on track to hit the government’s 2022 GDP growth targets.
The country’s logistical requirement is not just limited to mobility for the online commercial e-platforms or small to medium businesses that require urban transport. It goes beyond and reaches out to the countryside, thanks to its 72 branches nationwide that can service the entire PH market.
The All-New Lite Ace is powered by a reliable 1.5L gasoline engine and 5-speed manual transmission. It also comes with practical convenience features such as electric power steering and a front air-conditioning system. Safety features include the SRS Airbags for driver and front passenger for all four variants. The Panel Van and Pickup variants also have Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), while Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is exclusive to the Panel Van variant.
The Panel Van has dual sliding doors for easy loading and unloading of goods from both sides of the vehicle, while the Pickup has a dropside bed with three-gate access ideal for irregular-sized items. Meanwhile, the FX has a utility body best for transporting passengers, and the Cargo has an aluminum body for hauling cargo such as furniture, appliances, and more. All four variants are now available in Toyota dealership nationwide.
For more information, check out https://toyota.com.ph/asenso or visit the nearest Toyota dealership near you. Download the myTOYOTA APP for Android or iOS, or follow Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, ToyotaMotorPH on Twitter, or Toyota PH on Viber to get the latest updates.
ADVT.
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